The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-09-11

archb OF Nngiand from the une VI
Cesar, Tirrell's chances were slim.
In June last he read in the papers
about the royal proclamation, and
having obtained a copy Of it, he
wrote 10 the horse guards for the
pardon vouchsafed TO him. 1t Is
stated that when his great great
grandson sat down to address the let-
ter at the old mans dictstion. the
latter told him TO send to the Duke
Of Wellington, whom, for the mo-
mont. he Thought to be still at the
head VI the British army. The lad
told him the Iron Duke had been in
his grave near forty years, and then
the letter was addressed to the colo
mel OF the Bluffs" who, no doubt,
forwarded it to the horse guards.
Pie search among the ancient
archives OF Waterloo must have
given the war Office clerks pile of
trouble, for the answer did not ar
rive till Wednesday last. IL was not
much OF a document to come from an
Empress-a plain piece of printed
paper, containing all the curtness OF
such correspondence. IL merely
states in a matter.of fact way that
Private Tirrell, who absented him
self from his reziment without leave,
on June 18th, 1885, is, by this royal
decree. exempt from further military
service. and from the pains and pen
alties Of his ofIense. There is q war
office stamp affixed, and Private
Tirrell is informed that should he
be recognized and arrested as a de-
sertcr, he must produce this ,certiii-
cato or apply for duplicste.
Recognized At the present time
there is not q man in the British
army who was not born when he quit
the ranks. The unsentimental oili
cials took no more notice OF Tirrell
than If he had deserted but yes
terday. aud those who know them
well assert that we're man to write
for a pardon in the name of one who
skedoddlcd during the reign OF
Elizabeth, the dundorheads would
send the Same printed form il they
discovered tho name on the rolls OF
that age.
Tirrell was born in 0kehampton,
Devonshirc, and tonight he begins
his journey homeward, sailing from
New York next week. Ho has had
the Queens pardon sewed in the
lining Of his vest, but does not OK
pect 10 suffer any temporary incon-
yeniences from recognition.
A singular thing about this old
man is that in his old age he became
positively valiant. During the late
war, when he was an old man OF sew.
enty. he wanted TO be enrolled for
fighting against the invading Union
armies. At one time he shouldered
a musket aud helped to defend a
house which bad been besieged by
some Of Gen. BaDks's soldiers. La
this affair he exhibited great bravery,
and wanted 10 lead party 10 attack
the soldiers from without. As soon
N he made the acquaintance of cour.
,ge he began 20 cultivate il, aud now,
IT the age OF ninety.three, he is
lutte = oOmbatiye old boy.
Rev. Mr.. Eastwood, an Episcopa.
ian minister OF Pawtucket, was for
nerly chaplain in Chatham, one of
.ho large garrisons OF England, aud
he well remembers the hamstruug
wretch who was confined in Fort
Pitt. The fellow outlived nearly all
those who fought brayely and sur
yiyod the battle, and no amassed
several thousand pounds sterling,
'ayod from ponce given him by visit
,ns 20 the fort. POr many years tho
ashes were laid on Justify, accord.
ng 10 the sentence OF the court mar.
ial, but during latter years Of his
ito lac was logged only with ribbons
IN every 10Th OF June.
Mr.. EASTWOOD has visited him fro.
lucnuy, and was much amused at the
,oryility Of his keepers, who, Of
course. expected 10 be his heirs. lilo
tells the writer that the fellow died
about twenty Eve years ago, and that
his profanity whom visitors with cash
were not around was something aw.
tui. The hamslrung towards body
lies IN the military graveyard, TO
which Tirrell win make a pilgrimage
Tor tho sake Of old associations.